Bright start rolls on for Blacks

THE Griffith Blacks women’s team has set its sights on an undefeated season after blitzing the first five rounds of the new Southern Inland Rugby Union sevens competition.

The Blacks are yet to taste defeat after the side was assembled in haste at the start of the year to give women’s rugby union in Griffith a long-awaited and welcome return.

On the back of Saturday’s crushing 27-0 win over Wagga City at home – the second time the team has held its opposition scoreless this season – Griffith is now 12 points clear on top of the ladder and looking more than comfortable.

Few at the club expected such success to come so quickly – but now that it has, there is no point setting limits to what can be achieved.

“Everyone was just chuffed that union came back for the girls so they could have a run,” team manager Elenoa Loseli said.

“Hopefully they can go through the whole season undefeated. That’s the goal.

“If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, but the girls definitely have it in them.”

The shortened version of the game has suited the Blacks right down to the ground. Not only does it make it far easier to assemble a team compared with the full 15-a-side format, it also plays to the team’s strengths.

“A lot of the players come from a league tag background and other sports and they’ve taken it on really well,” Loseli said.

“The reason why the team’s so powerful this season is because every player brings something different. They’re not all exactly the same. Everyone works together really well.

“The majority of us did know each other before the team came together… but now we’re all really close.”

Loseli’s father, Blacks club stalwart Loa, coaches the side.

She described him as an “oldie” of Griffith rugby union, having previously coached first, second and third grade men’s teams.

“He’s a really big part of our success. He’s brought all that knowledge across to the team and the girls really respect him,” she said.

“They keep developing more and more.

“Every single game has been an achievement for the girls.”

The Blacks will cool their heels this weekend with a competition-wide bye but next weekend, they will be back at it against Leeton, the side they defeated 24-10 at home in the opening round.

ON THE MOVE: Griffith’s Lele Katoa has her eyes up in Saturday’s big win over Wagga City in driving rain at the Coro Club Oval. The Blacks hope to continue their stunning undefeated start to the season for as long as possible. Picture: Anthony Stipo

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.